With a title like the best jeans for a 50-year-old woman, you might think I would be talking about a certain style or a certain shape of denim.
But I’ve learned a lot over these years and I wanted to share some of my insights. And the best way to do that is to show all of the different jeans in photos.
Quote of the day: “Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” Epicurus
What are the best jeans for a 50-year-old woman? In one answer—the ones that fit and make you feel fabulous. Sometimes we obsess over the smallest details about jeans and I would love to know if they really make a difference. Or is the detail something we read about?
For instance, is pocket placement really that crucial? Sure, I can understand some of the reasoning I read about why you want a pocket here vs there. But who else is really looking at your bum for that long? Stop making the idea of finding the best jeans harder than it already is.
And do you know why it is hard to find the best jeans for a 50-year-old woman? Because jeans require a ton of fit points on your body. As opposed to a skirt that only has to fit your waist and length.
This is exactly why I am always so surprised that more women don’t wear skirts.
Related post: Midi skirt and boots
That’s why I wanted to showcase 6 different styles with the same top half and the same booties to compare. I not only showcased the front, but also a rearview, because as I always say, just as many people see you from behind, so give them something fabulous to look at.
Related post: Casual outfits with flare jeans
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Best Jeans for 50-Year-Old Woman
By now, I hope we all realize that jeans do not have an age-limit label sewn in them. Just because you are 50, 60, or even older, doesn’t mean you can only wear a certain type, style, or color of jeans.
In fact, if you ask me what the best jeans for a 50-year-old woman are, I would say it depends. It depends on the occasion, what else you are wearing as well as the vibe you want to portray.
Because the fact is you are going to give off a vibe NO MATTER WHAT YOU WEAR. Would you rather look frumpy or modern?
The minute you say “I couldn’t wear that because of my age” is when you might be hitting that frump.
What I’ve learned is our brains get used to seeing a certain look. That look includes a certain silhouette from our jeans. Yet, the most wonderful thing about fashion right now is we don’t have to all look the same anymore. We have a variety of styles with the advent of online shopping and consumer requests.
Insider tip: Get away from worrying about if your jeans make your butt look big. Or if you look more slender in them. What kind of goal is looking thinner?? How does that make us better people? Let’s concentrate on finding jeans that fit, and feel great.
Another point, stop trying to cover up your butt even if the jeans are snug. Half the time you are just making yourself look bigger.
Related post: Why the cargo trend is good for older women
Another tip is to quit worrying about the names of the jeans. Who cares if they are called boyfriend jeans or cropped? Concentrate on the fit. Heck, half of the cropped jeans I try on are regular length on my 5’2″ frame.
Remember how proportion can be a factor when you are comparing the best jeans for a 50-year-old woman. Sometimes, that’s why you like a style better in this comparison. But that doesn’t mean those jeans are bad for me. The proportion could change with a different top and footwear.
Related post: Proportions side by side
Do we need to spend a lot of money on jeans? If you’ve been around here for long, then you know I would say no. How about thrifting your next pair of jeans?
So let’s compare some of the jeans I have in my closet. I will link to the jeans if they are still available or a similar pair if you are interested. OR, I’m happy to shop for links for you if you prefer. Just email me at Jtouchofstyle@gmail.com
Insider tip: If you struggle with a midsection and have trouble finding jeans to fit, try on maternity jeans. You’ll be surprised at how they can be perfect for the apple-shaped woman.
BTW, I’m not saying that any pairs of these are better than others. I happen to like them all.
I’ll also share my opinion of the vibe of the jeans. Not that my opinion is right. We are all unique and see things differently.
Related post: Say goodbye to saggy denim
Boyfriend Jeans
Call them what you want but boyfriend jeans are made to be baggier. There are some called girlfriend jeans too that have this silhouette. That’s why it’s important not to get hung up on their name. Instead, you just have to try them.
One reason that Old Navy is a great place for jeans is they have a great selection of rises, washes, and silhouettes. PLUS they have larger sizes and occasionally have Petites and Talls available.
Insider tip: Love everything about a pair of cropped jeans except you don’t want them that short? See if they come in the tall version.
VIBE: I consider this silhouette more casual and laid-back. They also tend to be more comfortable because they aren’t tight and binding.
Skinny Jeans
We’ve been talking about skinny jeans lately because most of us have read at least one article about how they are not in style anymore.
Yet for those women who love wearing tunics, sometimes skinny jeans are a perfect balance.
Related posts: Multiple reasons to keep your skinny jeans
& Other options with the same silhouette as skinny jeans
VIBE: Skinny jeans still make me feel good about my body. Thus I consider them classic.
Distressed Jeggings Jeans
This example of distressed jeans is the same silhouette as the skinny jeans, but the distressed detail can be something that gives off a different vibe. The pair I am showing is not only distressed but also a jegging version. This means they are even tighter than the skinny jeans usually with more spandex.
You might be surprised that I once told myself that I would NEVER wear distressed jeans. (Back in the day when my style was more basic as told in this article).
I think because I don’t see many of the women in my retirement community wearing distressed jeans, that I do feel younger in them.
VIBE: I consider distressing a very youthful detail. I know many older women consider it silly, but each generation needs to have something they call their own. Even if it is a copy of an earlier trend. That’s why it’s good to try the new styles because then you are speaking the younger generation’s language.
Bootcut Jeans
When I was younger, bootcut jeans were “it”. They were touted as the ones to be the best jeans for a 50-year-old woman and really anyone. The flare at the bottom balance out the hips and the length was meant to make us appear taller.
VIBE: These jeans seem more serious to me. The darker wash and longer length could pass for trousers.
Cropped Flares
I bought these in Petites so that they would really be cropped on me. The advantage of pants that are shorter is you get to show off your footwear. As opposed to the bootcut jeans, you hardly even notice my boots.
Insider tip: If you struggle with cropped versions because you remember wearing “floods” back in the day, it’s time to update your brain. Sure, we all have those memories from our youth, but to continue to style clothes because of this can slide you into that frump category.
VIBE: The shorter length gives a more casual vibe and I always think the flare seems more fun and whimsical.
Wide Leg Jeans
I have to admit, that it took me a couple of times wearing these jeans to feel comfortable in them. That’s the key. We all have to push ourselves to try something new. And if you don’t try new things, that means you are going to become a buggy whip.
The funny thing is once I started wearing them more, I had 3 women reach out and purchase the same pair from Poshmark. They are fun. They are whimsical. They can be worn by ANYONE.
VIBE: I always think the wide-leg pants seem more glamorous and sophisticated.
Conclusion of the Best Jeans for 50-Year-Old Woman
Here they are side by side so you can compare them all at once. Remember, there is no RIGHT and WRONG. But take stock of the whys you like something more than others and really analyze those reasons before you commit.
Just like ANY piece of clothing, there are so many factors that make one better than another.
Here are a couple of points that are SUPER important:
1-Keep trying. Just because you tried on a pair of wide-leg jeans and they look horrible doesn’t mean that all wide-leg jeans will look horrible on you. The brand and the way they are made make all the difference. I always like to remember they aren’t all created equally.
2-The wash of the jeans should/should not be a factor. Too many times we have been brainwashed into thinking that dark wash jeans are going to be better for us older women. I call it hogwash. Think of lighter-wash jeans as an alternative to white jeans.
3-Do not obsess over the details too much. I’ve heard too many women comment that the whisking detail is unflattering. Or they spend too much time analyzing the pocket placement. REALLY? Let’s look at the forest, not each individual tree.
4-Size doesn’t matter. There is no one else on the face of this earth that is going to know what size your jeans are unless you tell them. Remember, it’s just a number. If the maternity jeans fit you the best, then those should be the ones on your body. Wear what looks good. Not because they are a certain size or even brand.
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My Goal
Thank you for visiting my space on the internet. I like to showcase how it’s never too late to look great for women of any age, size, or working with any kind of budget.
I feel I’m here to help move beyond the fashion rules of yesterday and evolve. Style and clothes are made to give you joy. Not cause us stress because we are worried about what others think.
My hope is that you get ideas and inspiration from Charlotte, Lesley, and myself. It’s not about copying what we wear, but about using what you already have and updating items along the way.
Most of all it’s getting us to think differently and dare I say, have fun.
Welcome to Jodie’s Touch of Style. I’m here to prove that it’s never too late to look great. Clothing and style are meant to showcase your inner personality. So let’s have fun and try new things.
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